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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Cylindrical Vases : Mayan Vessel
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Mayan Vessel - PF.3572
Origin: San Salvador, El Salvador
Circa: 6
th
Century AD
to 9
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
5.875" (14.9cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
Location: United States
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| Description |
The Maya in their great temple cities reached
the summit of the classical age in Ancient Meso-
America. In those temple cities, great artistic
expressions such as murals and sculptures
flourished. It is during this classical period in
which artists refined their skills to represent
human form, deities, and other symbolic
sculptures. Used in various rituals and
ceremonies, their art embodied rich symbolism,
laden with complex meanings that largely remain
esoteric. This remarkably sculpted vessel is
dressed in warmth of the orange color. Complex
hieroglyphs and images are rendered in beige
colored lines, creating light and soft quality.
Below the top rim is a band of hieroglyphs, and
the body of the vessel displays a graphic image
of a possible ritual scene. Between two kneeling
men is a curious structure that seems to be the
center of the men's attention and respect. Both
men are facing the structure with their open
palms that seem to be receiving something from
the structure. Perhaps the elaborately rendered
structure is a divine being that is giving
knowledge or power to these high priests or
dignitaries. Although we may not know the
specific details of such image, we are certain that
ancient Mayan societal structure and rituals were
highly complex. As historical and artistic
evidence, the great value of this vessel is to last
for ages to come.
- (PF.3572)
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